Sailing is one of the most enjoyable outdoor sports and activities to engage in. But, it can be difficult to estimate how much it would cost to learn to sail. While owning a sailboat is one of the biggest financial investments you can make, learning to sail is one of the best personal investments throughout your lifetime. To be honest, there’s no way to value the cost of sailing lessons. Instead, you have to be aware of what you want from a sailing school and how much you are available to spend on sailing courses. And, keep in mind, that the needs of the experienced sailor who owns his boat are far different than the beginner who will need far more instruction. So, let’s now see some more details about the costs of learning how to sail. Follow me!

Some Details to Keep in Mind Before Starting Sailing

There are people that learn to sail when they are young or with family members who own sailboats. So, in this case, the costs for sailing courses will be lower. Then, there are people that have never been on a sailboat and want to learn sailing as soon as possible. And, keep in mind that even if you know a little about sailing when you first start, you’ll see that you have a lot more to learn. So, let’s start with the most basic question: what is the most affordable way to learn to sail? If you’re just getting started and have friends, relatives, or even an acquaintance who owns a sailboat, you can begin by asking them if you can join them on their next cruise.

You’d be shocked how many sailors at marinas are searching for crew members, regardless of their skill level. This is because they’re looking for someone who is eager to learn and bring their skills to good use. Experienced sailors know that they can instruct a crew with any level of experience about what to do when out on the water, which is a perfect way to learn.

None of these budget methods of learning to sail, however, can provide you with some kind of certification. Of course, learning this way may add a lot to your sailing experience. But, taking a proper course can effectively fill in the holes that learning while cruising with others might not be able to fill. When it comes to accreditation, you must first decide whether you want an international or domestic license. Naturally, this is dependent on where you live, since certain countries do not need any kind of accreditation. But, if you want to charter a sailboat in your own country or abroad, you’ll almost certainly need one.

Earning a simple sailing qualification that allows you to sail a sailboat between 25 and 35 feet in moderate winds during the day will cost you anywhere between $400 to $1,000. This will give you the right to sail coastal waters with a decent amount of experience through the most well-known US sailing associations, ASA and US Sailing.

If you want to learn outside of the United States, you should consider obtaining an International Certificate of Competence (ICC). The ICC is recognized by over 24 countries and allows you to sail across Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world. International Yacht Training (IYT) and the Royal Yachting Association are the two most prominent sailing organizations that provide the ICC (RYA). The prices vary from one association to another. This means that you might spend around $1,500 in order to learn to sail correctly and attain an international certificate.

Finally, learning to sail does not have to be expensive. If you’re curious enough about sailing, you’ll almost certainly find a way to get on a sailboat. In any case, there’s no denying that the personal benefits of learning such a fun outdoor activity and sport will serve you for a lifetime.

Prices According to Different Locations

The cost of sailing schools varies depending on where you live. Obviously, some places will be more costly than others. For example, the cost of taking sailing courses in California differs significantly from taking them in Florida. And not just for sailing courses but for all services and goods provided. These price disparities also have an effect on services and education. Data such as how much people live in the region and how much interest there is in sailing make these prices. Subsequently, you can try to compare prices at a few sailing schools in your region to get an average price.

The average US price for sailing courses is approximately $24 per hour. This applies to a nationwide level however it might be higher or lower in a specific area. So, what you have to do is compare prices from different sailing schools. Bear in mind that depending on the state, the prices might differ even if the schools are in the same area. For instance, the prices in California range from $18 to $24 per hour. In Northern California prices are approximately $24 per hour while in Southern California there are schools that offer lessons between $18 and $19 per hour.

Another example is the prices on the East Coast where schools increase the hourly rate. This is because of the general financial situation and the people’s higher income. The hourly price is about $30 or even more in some states. However, in Florida, you can find cheaper schools at around $20 per hour. So, you should expect to pay different rates depending on where you want to take your sailing lessons. This is why determining the average cost of sailing lessons is so difficult. Local sailing school prices can vary so widely that it is best to do some research in your own city.

What Will Influence the Price of Sailing Lessons

The time of year you want to learn to sail is going to have an impact on the cost of learning. And, it’s no surprise that very few people want to sail in the winter. Almost everyone wants to sail in the summer. During the summer, the cost of learning to sail, or chartering a cruise, is going to increase significantly. The months of June, July, and August are the busiest for sailing, and this is when you’ll pay the most for lessons.

Even in places where the weather is relatively stable throughout the year, such as the Caribbean, the peak months of June and August still have high prices due to the huge influx of visitors. It’s impossible to avoid these high costs at these times of the year. So, if you’re on a budget, consider taking your lessons during the off-season.

If you’re looking for a bargain when it comes to learning to sail, several schools stay open until late November or even early December. This is the time when the sailing season begins to wind down and prices drop dramatically. Between late March and the end of May, you can also get a good deal on sailing lessons. Taking sailing lessons during the summer months is one of the most beautiful times of the year. But, sailing during the off-peak months can be fun as well. In fact, since there will be fewer vessels on the water and fewer people in your class, you will have more freedom to sail around while receiving more personalized instruction.

>>Also Read: How Long Does it Take to Learn Sailing?

When to Take Your Sailing Lessons

It’s important to remember that the cost of your education will be influenced by a number of factors. If you can only take sailing lessons on the weekends, you are likely to spend more money on average. This is because weekend sailing lessons are in high demand for most learners.

So, if you can take sailing lessons during the week instead of weekends, you will save some money. It makes sense to try to take advantage of this if you want to keep your costs down. Whether or not you will be able to attend classes during the week will, of course, be determined by your obligations. If you can, look at what kind of lessons sailing schools in your area offer on weekdays. They will probably be able to find a time for your sailing lessons that can meet your work schedule and other commitments. There’s no harm in asking for more details, and the school’s staff will almost certainly be happy to assist you.

Therefore, if you can attend the courses during the week, you’ll be able to lower the average price of sailing lessons by many dollars per hour. This, too, depends on the place. This is because there are some sailing schools that don’t offer such a difference in price between weekday and weekend registration.

Cost of Sailing Gear

When you plan to go sailing, there are a few things you’ll probably want to bring with you. And, having the proper sailing equipment is extremely vital. This is because you can find yourself in a situation where you can’t easily retrieve anything you left onshore. When going sailing, I recommend bringing a waterproof duffle bag, polarized sunglasses, deck shoes, and sunscreen. They will also inform you in the sailing school about what kind of equipment you should bring onboard.

These are simple things that can be purchased for as little as $100. So, it’s a good idea to stock up on them. But, if you’re training to be the skipper of a sailboat, there are more important sailing gear items to keep onboard; such as safety equipment. This kind of equipment is of course more expensive but is a must while sailing overseas.

Always Put Quality First

Just remember that something cheap does not always ensure quality. Meaning that you don’t want to just choose the cheapest school you can find. When you want to learn how to sail properly, you should enroll in quality sailing lessons. Of course, it is possible to find a low-cost sailing school that also provides excellent sailing instruction. But, in order to do this, you have to assess their quality level, thus doing some preliminary research. It will be well worth your time to investigate further, and you will be pleased to save some money.

You can always find some reasonably priced sailing schools no matter where you live. As a general rule, certain places may be more costly, but you can always look for a school that provides the best balance of affordability and quality. So, make the most of what’s available in your area to find the best sailing lessons at a fair price.

Want to Learn to Sail While on Holiday?

Combining sailing lessons with a voyage is one of the most memorable ways to do so. Maybe you’ve already planned to spend the summer in the Mediterranean or in Miami and want to learn to sail. Anywhere you are, it is possible to combine courses along with a holiday. You might be on a sailing voyage with friends and family and have some time to spend at a destination. So, you can use that time in order to take sailing courses! Keep in mind to make some research beforehand on the sailing schools of the area you’re visiting and ask much time will the lessons take.

Combining the wonderful learning experience of sailing with getting away from the daily routine, wherever you are on vacation, is a one-of-a-kind experience. Not only are you making the most of your free time, but you’ll also learn how to sail while being on holiday. The best thing about learning to sail while on vacation is that you have so many options for combining recreation and education. Many schools recognize that certain students are there mostly for the experience of being on a sailboat and are not interested in learning every detail about sailing. On the other hand, there are people that want to take it seriously and acquire more than the basic knowledge and proceed by taking a certificate.

>>Also Read: Is Sailing Expensive?

An Overview of Sailing Lessons

Keep in mind that the cost of learning to sail is influenced by a number of factors. Joining a sailing club is an excellent way to learn to sail without having to pay for expensive lessons. Lessons, on the other hand, enable you to obtain certification in your state. In addition, the cost of learning to sail is also affected by whether you own or lease a boat. So, you can charter a boat if you don’t know how much time you can devote to sailing. However, owning a boat, or planning on owning, is a great choice for those who want to take a more serious interest in sailing.

Of course, there are a variety of options available to assist you in gaining the necessary experience. Basic courses usually last three hours and cost between $150 and $200. Sailing courses on a keelboat combine classroom instruction along with time on the water with a professional. Various federal standards, safety tips, and other laws are included in this category of class. This will cost between $400 and $500 with certification.

On the other hand, basic coastal cruising lessons provide a more comprehensive overview of sailing. The instructor will go over everything from trip preparation to docking and anchoring. These classes will range in price from $700 to $1,000. There are a variety of other classes to choose from, depending on your sailing experience and personal needs. Taking all into account, you can expect to pay anywhere from $10,000 to $35,000 in order to get started.

And, remember that there’s a lot more than just buying a sailboat and setting sail. The most important part is to learn how to navigate, read maps, follow safety guidelines, and know how to handle and operate the boat’s systems. Knowing the average cost of sailing lessons should assist you in determining the best course of action. And, remember that sailing lessons are going to guide you and learn you how to sail properly.

How Much Does It Cost to Learn to Sail? – The Bottom Line

So, how much does it cost to learn to sail? Sailing lessons will cost anywhere from $18 to $50 per hour, depending on the sailing school or private teacher. Persons seeking basic sailing certification may need 15-35 hours of instruction, which will include seminars, sailing, and exams. However, the amount it will cost per hour and the number of hours you will need depend on the sailing school or organization. Then again, depending on your needs, the cost varies. For example, if you just want to acquire basic sailing knowledge or want to get an international certification as a skipper. But, if you are looking for the shortest possible answer and just a single figure that would be around $700.

So, make your research according to your situation and find a proper sailing academy that will serve your needs. Remember to put quality ahead of price, even if you’re on a budget. You can enroll in classes during the weekdays thus saving some money on tuition fees. Alternatively, you can bundle courses to save money and reduce the hourly price. If you make the proper research you will be able to take the right decision. I hope that this article will help you through the learning process and that you will be able to find the right school for your needs. See you soon!